Ticket Discounts & New Train Launch Mark the Indonesian Railway Day Celebration

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Indonesia is commemorating Indonesian Railway Day, marking a period of over eight decades since its inception on 28 September 1945. This commemoration also marks the 81st anniversary of Indonesia's railway company, PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI).

For the Indonesian public, trains are not merely a mode of transportation, but a historical witness to the nation's journey. Eight decades ago, Indonesian workers bravely seized control of the railway tracks from Japanese control, serving as the historical foundation for Indonesia's railway system.

From that history, massive transformations have taken place up to the present day. If trains were once synonymous with steam locomotives and long-distance intercity travel, the landscape of Indonesia's rail transportation is now vastly different.

The proudest achievement is certainly its technological leap. Indonesia no longer relies solely on commuter lines (KRL) in urban areas or the driverless elevated Light Rail Transit (LRT Jabodebek), but has also entered the era of high-speed rail through Whoosh, Southeast Asia's first high-speed train reaching speeds of up to 350 kilometers per hour.

The 81st anniversary was celebrated uniquely, with KAI inviting the public to reminisce through a Joy Heritage Ride. Employees and rail fan communities donned traditional Javanese attire and revolutionary-era costumes, enjoying a journey on a vintage steam train from Semarang Tawang Station to Kedungjati Station, a historic route over 150 years old.

In addition to reviving memories of the past, there was also a special treat for the public. On 28 September 2026, the public could enjoy discounted tickets by paying only 81 percent of the normal fare.

As the highlight of the celebration, KAI also officially launched a new luxury tourist train named the Nusantara Explorer. This luxurious train, featuring a sleeper-class interior modification initiated by President Prabowo Subianto, blends the natural beauty of the archipelago with world-class comfort in a single journey.